Habitat EdgesLiving on the EdgeHabitat edges are where it all happens; the edges of woodlands meeting a meadow, the boundary created by hedgerows and shelterbelts, margins of ponds and bog gardens – all these are where life congregates to hunt, feed, nest and inhabit.Whether you call it a cusp, verge, border, brink, or limit it all means the same thing – life in all its variety will be drawn to it.
If you have such an edge in your xeric garden, wildlife will be found there. Especially important are habitat edges where berry producing shrubs and wildflowers form a nectar corridor - a magnet for pollinators and other beneficial insects while in bloom then once the fruit forms, are visited by birds. Nature’s roadside planting guide is notorious for the bio-diversity it provides for all kinds of creatures who depend on the shelter and food sources. Edges of ponds and riparian areas are important feeding grounds for many species. Birds use the mud of pond edges for nest building, butterflies feed off the salts found there, amphibian creatures overwinter in it.
Many creatures and insects depend on the water for drinking, and birds will find it irresistible for bathing. Marginal plants reseed and grow in the edges of ponds and waterways, and the gradual progression of farmland to meadow back to forest will encroach from the edges inward. The seedlings need protection from full sun and shelter from strong winds. The pioneer species such as the fast growing pine and poplar trees are the first to grow in open areas. The seeds from the parent trees are released in the millions but only those that have a protected place on the edge will be lucky enough to germinate. Look at the habitat edges surrounding your garden as nursery, sanctuary and kitchen all rolled into one, and protect and enhance them by planting food sources and nesting trees to continually improve your wildlife habitat.
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Wildlife and Birds
Important Visitors to your Xeric Garden
Don't be too quick to condemn insects or spiders - they are useful too. Trying to find out what kind of insects you have? Check the Insect Encyclopedia. Look for your spider on the Spider Identification page.
Many prey insects such as aphids will be attracted to dill or other nectar producing plants. In turn, they will feed wasps, crickets, ladybugs and many other beneficial insects.
You may find that hedgerows are not limited to wildlife habitat, they are also valuable for growing craft supplies.
Xeric gardens truly are the multi-taskers of the the natural world.
Find all pages to do with wildlife in your xeric garden on the Wildlife Site Map.
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